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Britain’s former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted in public for the first time since being stripped of his royal titles and asked to leave the Royal Lodge, marking a rare outing amid ongoing scrutiny over his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Birmingham Live<\/span> reported.The former Duke of York was photographed horse-riding on the Windsor estate, an outing that royal experts say has drawn mixed feelings from his neighbours, Prince William and Princess Kate. The couple, who recently moved into the Grade II-listed Forest Lodge just a few miles from Andrew, are reportedly maintaining a sense of responsibility for his welfare despite ongoing family tensions.<\/p>\n\n
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Andrew Windsor Slammed For ‘No Response’ Over Epstein-Links Interview Letter From U.S.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Former prince Andrew has faced growing pressure over his links to Epstein. In a statement, he said, \u201cI vigorously deny the accusations against me.\u201d Meanwhile, his failure to respond to the US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee\u2019s interview request has drawn criticism from its members, who are conducting their own inquiry into Epstein\u2019s associates. According to The Times<\/span>, Democratic committee members recently wrote to Andrew requesting a transcribed interview regarding his long-standing association with Epstein, but he has yet to comply, fueling mounting frustration.Speaking to the Mirror<\/span>, former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted, \u201cWhile there is no love lost between William, Catherine and Andrew, my understanding is that they, and the rest of the royal family, believe they still have a duty of care for his welfare and mental health. Andrew has reportedly become isolated, depressed, and solitary. It\u2019s not his fault if photographers are ready to pounce when he ventures out, and I don\u2019t think the Prince and Princess would begrudge him a ride around the park for some fresh air.\u201dAndrew is preparing to leave the Royal Lodge after more than two decades and move to a smaller residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, a change that experts say will ease tensions for the Prince and Princess of Wales. \u201cObviously it would be more convenient if it wasn\u2019t on their doorstep, but they know this is temporary,\u201d Bond added.Royal commentators suggest that King Charles may be displeased with the publicity surrounding Andrew\u2019s outing. Bond said, \u201cIt is unfortunate that pictures of Andrew are in the press again, drawing attention away from the work the rest of the family are doing. It would be preferable if he were seen engaging in charity work or some other productive activity.\u201dA royal insider told the Daily Mail<\/span> that the photographs of Andrew riding on Windsor Castle grounds, which are taxpayer-funded, do not present a favourable image.Prince William is believed to have played a key role in the decision to remove Andrew\u2019s titles. Andrew Lownie, author of the biography Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York<\/span>, told the Mirror<\/span>, \u201cFrom what I know of him and his father, William would have played quite an active role in stiffening Charles\u2019 resolve. Andrew\u2019s voluntary surrender of titles was deemed insufficient, and Charles realised the gravity of the situation, particularly after continued press coverage distracted from other royal duties.\u201dKate Middleton is believed to have fully supported King Charles III\u2019s decision, distancing from Andrew in bid to protect the monarchy\u2019s reputation. Lownie added, \u201cThey do not want further reputational damage from being linked to him.\u201d<\/div>\n